Margareth-Rose Kangootui & Barron Domingos

Three students from the University of Namibia Business School (NBS) recently scooped third place and N$ 20 000 at the Namibian Scholars’ Investment Challenge (NSIC).  

NSIC is a partnership between Old Mutual and the Namibian Stock Exchange (NSX) aimed to train Namibian youth in capital market's trading.

The competition took place from 10 May 2021 until 22 October 2021 with over 160 teams all vying for the top prize.  The competition presented each team with a make-believe value of N$ 500 000 to buy and sell listed shares on the NSX. The NBC’s Trading Masters, consisting of Kayembe Kazadi Negonga Rakkel, and David Fillipus managed a return on investment of 16.8%. 

The Geals from Windhoek Gymnasium got the first prize of N$50 000 with a return of 30.8% on the initial investment they had, followed by the Eagle Investors, who came in second place with a return of 23.3%, and they received a cash prize of N$30 000. 

Edu United came in fourth place with a return of 10% and they got N$10 000, while NamWealth got N$5 000 for a return of 8.8%.

“I’m extremely proud of the NBS team,” remarked an appreciative mentor and lecturer, Elsie Kampala. 

“This competition has allowed these students to put the theory they are taught in class to test, I appreciated the fact that they could win this prize making use of those skills,” said an elated Kambala, who lectures in derivatives, equity and alternative investments.

While reflecting on the experience, Kazadi said this award is largely possible because of their lecturer’s rigorous training and motivation.

“Throughout this journey, our lecturer continuously encouraged us that the sky is not the limit, and these words served as a tremendous inspiration,” said Kazadi, stressing that teamwork makes the dream work.

The NSIC is annually sponsored by Old Mutual to the value of N$200 000.